Jinje Seonsa

Great Master Jinje Sunim is the most renowned Seon (Zen) master in Korea and widely acknowledged as one of the most eminent teachers of traditional Ganhwa Seon (Korean Zen) meditation in the world. His Buddhist journey started at age 21, a journey that led him through years of intensive meditation and teacher/student discourse, and a nationwide monk’s pilgrimage throughout the temples of Korea. In 1967 he “received recognition of awakening” from the Great Seon Master Hyanggok Sunim and became the next in the direct lineage of the Buddha: Seon Master Jinje Seonsa, 79th Dharma Heir of the Shakyamuni Buddha.

“More than three decades ago, I had the privilege of meeting and studying with several of the most eminent Korean Seon masters of the last generation… Meeting Jinje Sunim is like seeing this last generation come back to life. His personality embodies the core values of wisdom and compassion that have always motivated the Korean Buddhist tradition and his teachings epitomize…the sense of questioning that, Jinje Sunim insists, is at the core of authentic religious practice.”

Master Jinje holds a unique place in Korean Buddhist life.

While trained in the traditional monastic style of meditation, which required retreat from ordinary life, his subsequent efforts have been directed toward people living in the ever-growing urban areas of Korea. In 1971 he founded HaeunJeongsa Monestary, located on a mountainside at the very edge of the bustling city of Busan. In one direction the view is of mountains and forests; in the other, the vast city complex of high-rise buildings spreads out along the sea.

Berkeley Professor Emeritus of Buddhist Studies, Lewis Lancaster, notes the location is an expression of Master Jinje’s attempt to preserve the values of mountain quietude for reflection and contemplation, open its doors to lay Buddhists, and maintain easy access for millions of people in the city below. Master Jinje sustains this unique combination of mountain and city with a deep feeling of compassion for the people who live and work in the stress of modern life. Like the fresh water spring everyone needs from time to time to satisfy thirst; we must replenish and look within to become the persons we wish to be.

A dedicated life.

Master Jinje has dedicated his life to one of compassion for the inner self. That compassion also moves action: proceeds from the sale of his latest book were donated to help those stricken by the devastating earthquakes in Japan, Haiti and Chile; at HaeunJeongsa Temple he holds events for senior citizens; supports girls’ high school education; and offers a peaceful respite open to all.

In this world of uncertainty, where social activists are desperately needed to lead, spiritual leaders are needed to help guide these leaders we depend on, so that they and we confront injustice with clarity, and without violence and hate.

Master Jinje has dedicated his life to that end. Today, the vibrant 78-year-old monk oversees the training of Ganhwa Seon meditation monks in the popular Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism; is a member of its Council of Elders; and in 2004 was awarded the title of Daejongsa, “most eminent monk.” He is the spiritual leader of the historic Donghwasa Monastery outside the city of Daegu and HaeunJeongsa Monestary in Haeundae, where he resides.

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Established in 2009 as a grassroots initiative, Sweeping Zen is a digital archive of information on Zen Buddhism. Featuring in-depth interviews, an extensive database of biographies, news, articles, podcasts, teacher blogs, events, directories and more, this site is dedicated to offering the public a range of views in the sphere of Zen Buddhist thought. We are also endeavoring to continue creating lineage charts for all Western Zen lines, doing our own small part in advancing historical documentation on this fabulous import of an ancient tradition. Come on in with a tea or coffee. You're always bound to find something new.

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